On November 1, 2004, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) became law. PHIPA is Ontario's new health-specific privacy legislation. It governs the manner in which personal health information may be collected, used and disclosed within the health care system. It also confirms a patient's right to access one's own personal health information.

The Privacy Office Commitment

The Privacy Office of The Ottawa Hospital is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality and security of all personal health information we are entrusted with by our patients in order to carry out our mission to provide the highest quality patient care, education and research. Your personal information will only be used in compliance with The Ottawa Hospital's Privacy Policy

We have developed Frequently Asked Questions to assist you in understanding what Personal Health Information means to you. The information contained in the Frequently Asked Questions will be constantly updated to reflect changing legislation, and continuous improvements to the way in which we collect, use, disclose and protect your personal health information as we deliver services to you.

Information Privacy complaints can also be directed to Ontario 's Information Privacy Commissioner at 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400 Toronto, Ontario , M4W 1A8 , or by calling 1-800-387-0073.